Army's Ellerson isn't worried about job security

Not exactly the spirits expected from a coach whose team is 1-6 and looking to recover after a 10-point loss to previously winless Eastern Michigan.

"They haven't canceled the season and my key still worked to the office this morning, so I say the arrow is up, let's go get after somebody," Ellerson said.

Ellerson insists his team is still enjoying the game. He said Tuesday morning's practice, which was the first after the Eastern Michigan game on Saturday, was "the best we've had in a month."

The coach is trying to keep the vibe positive. Deep down inside, simple fundamentals, tackling and ball security are keeping Ellerson up at night.

Ellerson admitted his job security is also on his mind. When asked if he's concerned about his position, Ellerson said, "There has to be (some concern), don't you think? It has to be not a concern. It doesn't help me. Realistically, it's a business. When a team is struggling, it's been said about every coach in the country."

Ellerson added: "It don't scare me. Who knows how many games you've got. Every game is precious."

Army (1-6) likely will not be favored in its final five games, starting with Ball State on Saturday at Michie Stadium. The schedule has been unforgiving. Army's first five losses came against teams that are currently 29-9.

The team has had plenty of chances to get down and give up on the season. But quarterback Trent Steelman said he and his teammates are going to continue to fight for their season and their coach.

"It's been hard, but I've been very impressed with the attitude of the team and how we've just been able to handle everything," Steelman said. "What makes it even harder is a lot of our losses could have gone either way. One play here, one play there. We finish some drives. We turn this losing record into a winning record. I think a lot of times that can make it harder in terms of guys being able to lay down, but they haven't. We've stuck it out."

Ellerson signed a three-year contract extension in 2010, which runs out at the end of the 2015 season. He wants to finish out his contract with the players he recruited.

"For a bunch of young guys to handle it as well as they are handling it and to practice as well as they have practiced, they are the right guys," Ellerson said. "I'm trying to be the right coach. I think over time if I'm right and I have time," Ellerson believes he can turn it around.

"There's a reason that I rolled my contract when I did," Ellerson said. "I knew this was dangerous."